Netflix rolls out Super HD to all subs

All Netflix members, regardless of their Internet Service Provider, now have access to the highest quality HD streams available on Netflix.

Writing in a blog post, Joris Evers, director of corporate communications at Netflix, said this means that the great TV shows and movies on Netflix will look even better on HD screens with a higher bit rate stream, Super HD, that applies less compression to the 1080p image.

“We initially rolled out Super HD in January only through ISPs with a direct connection to Netflix. Based on the performance data we’ve seen, and in response to member requests, we are now expanding availability to give all our members the ability to enjoy Netflix in the best possible quality,” said Evers.

Evers advises that Netflix uses adaptive streaming to adjust dynamically the video quality based on the available bandwidth. “This means that the ability to receive Super HD depends on broadband quality and performance. Netflix members who subscribe to an ISP with a direct Netflix connection will get the best experience. Find out more about ISP performance by consulting the Netflix ISP Speed Index,” he wrote.

“We continue to encourage ISPs to adopt Netflix Open Connect, our highly optimised video content delivery network. Open Connect is available at no cost to ISPs and is designed to deliver the best possible Netflix experience by storing the TV shows and movies Netflix members want to watch as close to them as possible. Note that HD and Super HD are only available on certain titles and can only be displayed on devices that support HD,” he advised.